LISN Counselling Program Impact Summary
The LISN Counselling Pilot Program, launched in October 2024, has demonstrated the profound impact that timely, accessible emotional support can have on individuals living with liver disease. What began as a targeted pilot has now grown into a fully established and expanding counselling service—thanks to the generosity and commitment of our supporters.
From Pilot to Proven Success
The program was initially designed with a goal of supporting 20 patients. This milestone was successfully achieved ahead of schedule by July 2025, with 21 referrals received and 20 individuals engaging in counselling. Participants ranged in age from their 20s to their 70s, highlighting the wide-reaching need for psychological support across all stages of life.
The service initially focused on patients on transplant waiting lists and those who had undergone transplantation. By December 2024, it expanded to include individuals living with End Stage Liver Disease, ensuring broader access to care for those facing complex health challenges.
Where Your Donations Go
Funding has directly enabled:
- Access to a panel of 15 accredited therapists, ensuring high-quality, professional support
- A structured referral pathway for patients in critical stages of illness
- The development of systems for self-referral and increased accessibility
- Ongoing programe evaluation and participant feedback to improve service delivery
Every contribution has translated into real, one-to-one support for individuals navigating the emotional and psychological burden of liver disease.
Real Impact on Lives
Across Ireland, people living with liver disease often face not only physical challenges, but also isolation, uncertainty, and emotional strain. This program provides vital additional support during what can be one of the most difficult periods in a person’s life.
While not a crisis service, the LISN counselling programe offers a safe, confidential space for patients to talk, reflect, and build resilience alongside their medical care. It supports individuals as they cope with diagnosis, prepare for transplantation, recover afterwards, or manage long-term illness, helping them feel less alone in their journey.
While the pilot focused on patients, it also revealed a significant unmet need among family members, with additional referrals highlighting the wider emotional impact of liver disease on loved ones.
Looking Ahead
The success of the pilot has laid a strong foundation for the future. LISN is now committed to:
- Expanding access to counselling to patients with liver disease and to their carers/ family
- Increasing awareness through ongoing outreach and communication
- Enhancing accessibility through online self-referral tools
- Continuing to evaluate and strengthen the program based on participant feedback
Thank You
This achievement would not have been possible without the support of our donors and sponsors. Your contributions are not only funding a service, they are helping to restore hope, resilience, and quality of life for people affected by liver disease across Ireland.
